So, t'internet says that MAC's Russian Red is vegan - which would be amazing. My question is this: if MAC can make such an amazing red without carmine, why can't anyone else? Inika doesn't have a proper red, or Neal's Yard (theirs have beeswax, apparently, but no carmine) - what gives? Is there another way to make red out of dubious, un-hippyish minerals, that preclude it's use from 'natural' makeup lines? I might be ok with that.

I have a pregan tube of Russian Red which should last a long time, but I am a lipstick addict and worrying in advance. Anyone an expert on this?

OCC Vintage is an awesome red...it's described as burgundy on the website, but it's red on me since i don't have pigmented lips. OCC Black Dahlia is more of a deep purple/burgundy than red but gets darker when layered. Zuzu Luxe has great reds & those actually remind me of a more emollient MAC lipstick. check out Morgana's Crypt...she makes some crazy colors & has several reds. the texture of most are like MAC matte, a bit on the drier side but they stay put all day. i have a bunch of her lipsticks:) manic panic collection has 2 reds...Vampire's Kiss goes on lighter than the photo. silk naturals makes a few vegan lipsticks including a russian red clone, the texture is nice but very soft & they didn't wear well for me. she makes lots of lipstick & eyeshadow clones, many are vegan. medusa's makeup is coming out with lipstick soon, but i don't know if they will be vegan...i'm waiting impatiently:p

I also recently bought one from Urban Decay that was paw-printed at Sephora. "Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color." It's a pencil. It's super creamy and smooth and stays on for a long time. I love it for when I don't want to have to carry a lip brush along with the OCC tube. I got it in "f-bomb."

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Ubran decay's dark red (forget what it's called) is awesome. It's dark red maroon, looks great on pale skin. I bought it before the whole selling to China fiasco, though. Not sure if everyone still considers them vegan.

I really like OCC Stalker, and I have a very, very old tube of Beauty Without Cruelty in Red Red that I stubbornly keep using. I'm not even sure if they make it anymore. It's my goal to get OCC Black Dahlia and NSFW one of these days.

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I'm a convert to OCC too. I bought two of the more subtle shades (Melange and Memento) but asked for a sample of Vintage - I love it! Definitely going to buy it. It's not really a bright red, I think that actually means it suits more skin tones. For the quality and veganosity, I don't find them that expensive either.

This seems to be a good representation, although I really find you can choose to do more of a stain (blot) or full coverage.

I believe that Tarte Lipsurgence matte lip tint in Fiery and Too Faced La Creme in Stiletto Red are both also vegan.

So, the matte lipsurgence is vegan and is amazing - thanks for mentioning it! I got it in 'envy' which is a great berry color (first one I've ever tried that I've liked - I usually like reds, burgundies and hot pink, not subdued, tasteful colors, but it's awesome while being sort of subtle). It goes on so nicely and is minty!